Since we have several professionals here who ... a. Have never sought clients through this board. b. Give tons of "free" advice on a regular basis. I'm not quite sure how to respond. You expressed a notion of "landscaper" above that reduced their expertise to digging holes and plopping in plants. Sure, there are the mow -n- blow guys who call themselves "landscape services", but landscape design can include site analysis, scale drawings, assessment of needs, resolution of drainage issues, soil prep, grade work, coordination of specialized construction, driveways, terraces, stairways, paths, patios, special features ... and a working knowledge of suitable plants for each application. For many it also meant 4 years of college, other professional certifications, and years of professional development. The fact that the pros here give us the level of information that they do, constantly amazes me. And, when asked, they almost always offer something. So, how about wondering for a minute what it was in your original post that pushed two of them to come back with pretty pointed comments. My guess is that it sort of steps on toes when, in a tight economy, someone who doesn't appear to want to put in any effort, asks others to give time and effort to your yard. I have a yard. I have plenty of projects calling to me now ... even in the dark. It's not quite the same as changing the paint color on your walls like they do on some home decorating forums. You are asking us to go and check our research on coastal plants ... I don't know a thing about them myself. Then offer up a changed photo for you to review with a list of plant suggestions. Sorry, if you don't have the time to research the possibilities, I'm afraid I don't eather. Besides, since soil amendment doesn't seem to be a part of the plan, new plants will probably do about as well as the ones your ripping out. But, since it's apparently so simple, don't worry. Just do it. Your home doesn't really need any "design" work ... Just rip out this and plant that. Voila!

Sketch Up

First of all, I have to say I love the pink siding. I know you don't like green, but since the roof has green maybe a teal would work. I was thinking of Pacific Sea Teal for the trim, which has a lot blue and just a hint of green Santorini Blue would look good on the siding. See the top half of your house in this combination. I mocked up Santorini on the trim and Ancient Ivory on the siding as another possibility, but you could reverse it and put Santorini on the siding and ivory on the trim.

All of the rooms in my house have the darker flooring. The hallway has a ceramic tile and butts up to the kitchen/family room entrance. That is why I don’t like the existing flooring. I just think that the main floor is too choppy with three different floors. But, I do actually like the monochromatic look. Here is a picture of the hallway from the vantage point of the kitchen. (I considered bringing the tile into the kitchen family room but the tile is no longer available.)